Vietnam Tours for Travelers from Cyprus

Vietnam has quickly become a top choice for Cyprus travelers, with interest in Vietnam tours from Cyprus soaring year after year. Today, more than five airlines link Larnaca (LCA) to Hanoi’s Noi Bai (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat (SGN), making it easier than ever to start your Southeast Asia adventure. Whether you’re seeking cultural discoveries in bustling Hanoi, beach escapes in Da Nang, or multi-country itineraries that combine Vietnam with Cambodia, Laos, Thailand or Myanmar, our ultimate guide will help you plan a seamless, unforgettable holiday to Vietnam.

Vietnam at a glance

Located on the eastern side of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is truly an outstanding travel destination. First of all, we need to mention of its fascinating history. Vietnam has a long-lasting history of more than 4000 years offering abundant of valuable historical monuments.
Additionally, being influenced by China and France for such a long time, Vietnam has become a find blend of Asian and Western cultures. The Vietnamese identity had been influenced by its past but still remain their own uniqueness. Therefore, wandering around Hanoi, Dalat, Ho Chi Minh city, you will have chance to encounter both Cathedral churches and local temples, pagodas which satisfy curiosities of everybody. Stretching along more than 1,000km coastlines, weather patterns are variety that proves Vietnam is a round-year destination. However, Vietnam is strongly affected by tropical monsoon climate. In the northern part, there are four distinct seasons including spring, summer, autumn and winter.

The best time to visit this region is from January to April and September to December when temperature is pleasant and not so much rain. The southern part comprises more stable weather of 26-30 degree Celsius in the whole year. It’s is known for 2 seasons only: the rainy season (May- November) and dry season in the other months. It’s so important to consider about weather condition before preparing your luggage.

The decisive reason for people packing their holidays in Vietnam is its numerous marvelous destinations. Not only does it offer the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Southeast Asia, Vietnam possesses relaxant tropical forests, mountains and vast rice paddy fields. The most visited spots such as Halong Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta bring visitors to various experiences of trekking, kayaking, swimming, cave exploring, beach relaxing, etc.

Obviously, you can spend a lifetime to discover all of the bewitching destinations in this awesome country. Together with wonderful nature, Vietnam attracts international tourists because of the friendliness of the locals. They are generous, open-minded and willing to say “hello” to you with beautiful smiles. Coming to Vietnam, people are surprised to see 54 unique ethnic groups living together in harmony. They propose colorful cultures of various traditional customs and cultural identities.

A trip up to the northern mountains like Sapa, Mai Chau will take you to the home of Muong, H’mong, Dzao, Tay, Nung, Thai people. Vietnamese cuisine is widely-known all over the world because of its freshness and extremely diverse. “ Pho” (noodle soup) informally has become a national symbol of Vietnam. Last but not least, your Vietnam trip will not complete without experiencing performing arts shows featuring local and traditional cultures such as Water puppetry, Hát tuồng, Cải lương, Hát chèo. Below are needed information for you to plan a perfect Vietnam trip.

Vietnam travel from Cyprus

Planning your dream trip from Cyprus to Vietnam? Here are the essential information you need to make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam has a diverse climate, so the “best” time depends on which region you plan to visit.

• Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa):
  • October to April: Generally cool and dry, with temperatures averaging 17-22°C. January to March are the coldest months. This is ideal for city exploration and cruising Halong Bay.
  • May to September: Hot, humid, and rainy, with July to September often being the wettest.
• Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An):
  • February to August: Warm and dry, with April to August being the hottest months, perfect for beaches.
  • September to January: Can experience significant rainfall and typhoons, especially from October to December.
• Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc):
  • December to April: Hot and dry, considered the peak season with plenty of sunshine.
  • May to November: Rainy season with brief, heavy showers, but still plenty of sunshine.

Suggested Vietnam Itineraries for Cypriots

Here are some suggested itineraries to inspire your trip, adaptable to your interests:

• 7-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights:
  • Day 1-2: Hanoi: Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy a street food tour.
  • Day 3: Halong Bay: Day trip or overnight cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay/Bai Tu Long Bay for a quieter experience).
  • Day 4-5: Ninh Binh / Sapa (choose one):
    • Ninh Binh (2 hours from Hanoi): “Halong Bay on land” – explore Trang An or Tam Coc by boat, Mua Cave viewpoint.
    • Sapa (overnight train/bus from Hanoi): Trekking through rice terraces in Sapa, visiting ethnic minority villages.
  • Day 6-7: Hanoi & Departure: Last-minute shopping, enjoy a water puppet show, depart from Hanoi.
• 10-Day Classic Vietnam Tour (North to South):
  • Day 1-3: Hanoi & Halong Bay: As above.
  • Day 4-5: Hue: Fly/train to Hue, explore the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, and royal tombs.
  • Day 6-8: Hoi An: Drive/train to Hoi An, explore the Ancient Town, tailor shops, cooking class, enjoy the beaches.
  • Day 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, visit War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market.
• 2-Week Vietnam Holiday Package:
  • Days 1-5: Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay (overnight cruise), and a choice of Sapa (trekking) or Ninh Binh (Trang An/Tam Coc).
  • Days 6-9: Central Vietnam: Fly to Hue and explore the historic Imperial City, royal tombs, and pagodas. Then travel south to Da Nang to visit the stunning Ba Na Hills, where you can experience the famous Cau Vang Golden Bridge (aka Hands Bridge), French village, and mountain views. Continue on to Hoi An to enjoy its charming ancient town, relax on the beaches, and take part in Vietnamese cooking classes. Consider a day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Hindu temples.
  • Days 10-14: Southern Vietnam: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, explore historical sites, vibrant markets, and enjoy the city’s nightlife. Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Dedicate a day or two to the Mekong Delta for boat tours through floating markets and local villages. Conclude your trip with relaxation on Phu Quoc Island’s beaches if time allows.

Accommodation Options

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets:

• Budget-Friendly (Hostels, Guesthouses): Expect to pay $20-$25 USD per night for clean, comfortable dormitory beds or private rooms.
• Mid-Range (3-4 Star Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Homestays): Prices typically range from $40-$100 USD per night, offering more amenities, private bathrooms, and often local charm (especially in homestays).
• Luxury (4-5 Star Hotels, Resorts): From $100 USD upwards, with high-end options in major cities and coastal resorts costing several thousand dollars per night, offering extensive facilities and services.

Transportation within Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is easy and affordable:

• Domestic Flights: The fastest way to cover long distances (e.g., Hanoi to Hue/Da Nang, Hanoi/HCMC to Phu Quoc). Major airlines include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air (budget), Bamboo Airways.
• Trains (Reunification Express): A scenic way to travel between major cities (e.g., Hanoi to Hue, Da Nang to Nha Trang). Overnight sleeper trains are popular. Book in advance, especially for popular routes.
• Buses: Extensive network, with comfortable sleeper buses for overnight journeys. Reputable companies like Futa Bus (Phuong Trang) are good options.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps:
  • Taxis: Use reputable metered companies like Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white). Avoid unmetered taxis.
  • Grab (ride-hailing app): Widely available in major cities for cars and motorbikes, offering transparent pricing and convenience. Highly recommended.
• Motorbike Rentals: Popular for exploring, but only recommended for experienced riders due to chaotic traffic and potential safety issues. Always wear a helmet.
• Private Car with Driver: Offers flexibility and comfort, especially for day trips or transfers between cities. Can be arranged through hotels or local tour operators.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs

Respecting local customs enhances your experience:

• Dress Appropriately: Especially when visiting temples, pagodas, or religious sites, wear conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Generally, Vietnamese people dress modestly.
• Greetings: A simple “Xin chào” (Sin Chow – Hello) is always appreciated. A slight bow or nod is customary.
• Public Displays of Affection: Keep public displays of affection to a minimum.
• Footwear: Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a pagoda.
• Touching: Avoid touching someone’s head, as it’s considered sacred.
• Chopsticks: Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (resembles incense for the dead). Do not point chopsticks at people.
• Bargaining: Haggling is common in markets, do so politely and with a smile.
• Passing Items: Use both hands when giving or receiving something, especially money or gifts, as a sign of respect.
• Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in ethnic minority villages.

Food and Dining

Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight for many travelers:

• Must-Try Dishes: Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), Spring Rolls (fresh or fried), Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), Cao Lau (Hoi An noodles), Banh Xeo (savoury pancake).
• Street Food Safety:
  • Look for busy stalls with high turnover of customers, especially locals.
  • Choose places where food is cooked fresh to order and served hot.
  • Ensure ingredients are stored properly (covered, not left out for long periods).
  • Be cautious with raw salads unless you are certain they have been washed with filtered water.
  • Avoid ice from unknown sources; factory-made ice is generally safe (clear, cylindrical).
  • Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before eating.
• Restaurants: From casual eateries to fine dining, there are options for every taste and budget. Many restaurants cater to tourists and will have English menus.

Safety and Health

• Travel Insurance:Highly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies (including potential motorbike accidents), trip cancellations/interruptions, and baggage loss. Look for policies that offer optional adventure sports coverage if you plan on activities like motorbiking or trekking.
• Vaccinations: Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip for recommended vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies).
• Water: Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive.
• Common Scams: Be aware of common scams:
  • Fake Taxis/Cyclo Drivers: Use metered taxis from reputable companies or Grab. Agree on a price beforehand for cyclos.
  • Overcharging Vendors: Always confirm prices before purchasing goods or services.
  • “Wrong Change” Scams: Pay attention when handling Vietnamese Dong, as high denominations can be confusing (e.g., 50,000 VND vs. 200,000 VND).
  • Fake Tour Operators: Book tours through reputable hotels or established travel agencies.
  • Pickpocketing: Be vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables secure.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of local emergency numbers (Police: 113, Fire: 114, Ambulance: 115) and your embassy/consulate information.

Currency and Budgeting

• Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Exchange Rate: As of mid-2025, 1 EUR is approximately 27,000 – 28,000 VND, and 1 USD is approximately 25,000 – 26,000 VND. (Rates fluctuate, check current exchange rates before you travel).
• ATMs: Widely available in cities and larger towns. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocking.
• Credit Cards: Accepted in major hotels, upscale restaurants, and shops, but cash is preferred for local markets, street food, and smaller establishments.
• Budgeting: Vietnam offers excellent value for money.
  • Backpacker Budget: $30-$50 USD per day (hostels, street food, local transport).
  • Mid-Range Budget: $60-$100 USD per day (boutique hotels, a mix of local and mid-range restaurants, some guided tours).
  • Luxury Budget: $150+ USD per day (high-end hotels, fine dining, private tours, domestic flights).
  • Food can be very cheap (a bowl of Pho for $1.50-$3 USD) or more expensive in Western-style restaurants.

Language

• Official Language: Vietnamese.
• English Proficiency: English is spoken by many people in the tourism industry (hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant staff in tourist areas). However, in smaller towns and rural areas, English proficiency is limited.
• Basic Phrases to Know: Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases will be greatly appreciated by locals and can enhance your interactions:
  • Xin chào! (Sin Chow!) – Hello!
  • Cảm ơn! (Gahm Uhn!) – Thank you!
  • Không có chi (Kohng Kaw Chee) – You’re welcome
  • Bao nhiêu? (Bow Nyew?) – How much?
  • Đắt quá! (Daht Kwah!) – Too expensive!
  • Tôi không hiểu (Toy Kohng Hee-oo) – I don’t understand.
  • Có (Caw) / Không (Kohng) – Yes / No
  • Ở đâu? (Uh Dow?) – Where is…?

Connectivity

Staying connected in Vietnam is easy:

• SIM Cards: Highly recommended. Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport or from official stores. Major providers include Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone. Data packages are very affordable.
• Wi-Fi: Widely available and generally reliable in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and many restaurants across Vietnam’s cities and tourist areas.

Vietnam Visa & Flights for Cyprus Travelers

Vietnam Visa for Cyprus citizen

Vietnam doesn’t have embassy in Cyprus yet. You could contact Vietnam embassy near in Turkey, Israel, Egypt Cyprus
You can make it easier by obtaining the Vietnam visa on arrival. When you book tour package with Vietnam Travel, we will provide you Visa Approval Letter free of charge. Our Travel consultants will prepare the necessary document and send you the letter either by email or WhatsApp after 3,4 working days.
Once you have received your Visa Approval Letter you have two options through which to obtain your Vietnam Visa on arrival at airports in Vietnam. Visa on arrival is the easiest option. Just bring a copy of your visa approval letter (you may be required to show this when you board the airplane) and a passport size photo. Upon arrival in Vietnam show these forms at the Visa on Arrival counter and pay the immigration officers the stamp fee:

• * 25 USD for single entry (<30 days),
• * 50 USD for multiple entries up to 90 days,
• * 95 USD multiple entries from 90 days to 180 days,
• * 135 USD for multiple entries from 180 days to 365 days (cash only).

If you travel via land (boat or drive) from Laos or Cambodia to Vietnam, please have the Visa in advance because service of Vietnam Immigration Offices at Vietnam borders (in Vinh Suong – Chau Doc or in Moc Bai) is complicated and slow.

Vietnam Visa for Cyprus travellers

Cypriot (Cyprus) passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism or business—except that they can enter visa‑free for up to 30 days if visiting Phú Quốc Island only

Here are your main visa options:

1. Vietnam e‑Visa (Electronic Visa)

• Available to Cyprus citizens since August 15, 2023.
• Valid for single or multiple entries, up to 90 days
• Issued through the official Vietnam Immigration portal.
• Fee: approx. US$25‑50 depending on entry type.
• Passport requirements: minimum 6 months validity from arrival and 2 blank pages.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Suitable if entering via airports such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
• Requires a pre‑approved visa letter, obtained online via alocal Vietnam travel agency like Vietnam Travel.
• Upon arrival, you present this letter and get the visa stamped at the airport.
• Stays allowed: 30 days for tourist visas, up to 90 days for business visas.
• Costs vary by agency and service speed—typically US$80–200, plus stamping fees.

3. Embassy Visa

• Since there’s no Vietnamese embassy in Cyprus, applications can be processed at embassies in nearby countries (e.g., Turkey, Israel).
• Processing usually takes 5–10 business days .

4. Phú Quốc Island Exemption

• Cyprus citizens can visit Phú Quốc Island visa‑free for up to 30 days, provided they don’t leave the island

Recommendations:

• Choose the e‑Visa if you’re staying up to 90 days—that’s the simplest route.
• Opt for Visa on Arrival if you prefer a longer stay or multi-entry and are flying in.
• If you’re only heading to Phú Quốc, you can travel visa-free.
• For land entry or special visa types, apply through an embassy in a nearby country.

For more details about the Vietnam visa, please read this article: Vietnam Visa

Flights to Vietnam for Cyprus Travelers

The only way to get to Vietnam from Cyprus is flying. The distance between Cyprus and Vietnam is 7835 km and the flight from Larnaca to Noi Bai ( Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat Airport (HCM City) about 8 hours transit in Qatar or Dubai or BKK
Airlines from Cyprus to Vietnam?

• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Emirates
• Vietnam Airlines
• El Al

No direct flights from Larnaca (LCA) to either Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — all routes require at least one stopover.

• Hanoi (HAN):
  • Emirates via Dubai: ~13 h 5 min total flight time.
  • Qatar Airways via Doha: ~13 h 45 min.
  • Alternative stopovers may include Abu Dhabi, Munich, Milan, Frankfurt, Paris, or London with longer durations (up to ~16 h+).
• Ho Chi Minh City (SGN):
  • Qatar Airways via Doha: ~13 h 50 min.
  • Emirates via Dubai: ~13 h 55 min (available from January 2025).

Flight Duration & Options

• Shortest connections (one-stop):
  • ~13 h to 14 h via Dubai or Doha for both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Longer routes:
  • Up to ~16 h 50 min via European hubs like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle.

Cyprus travelers patiently await passport checks at Noi Bai Airport upon arrival in Vietnam

Vietnam tour packages for Cyprus citizen

Since most flights from Cyprus to Vietnam arrive at either Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, we’d like to introduce some of the most popular tours chosen by travelers from Cyprus over the past 20 years.
Don’t worry—all of our tours are private, allowing you to fully customize your itinerary according to your preferences, travel dates, budget, and travel style. If you’d like to tailor any tour or create your own Vietnam journey, feel free to contact us for personalized advice and detailed quotations.

Tours starting from Ho Chi Minh City

The bustling Ho Chi Minh city is a good start with the frenetic pace of life, tastiest street foods, classic French architecture, historical attractions alternating with the most luxurious hotels, finest restaurants and rooftop bars. As Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding area have a lot to offer, from a walking tour to main spots such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market to a drift on Mekong’s largest floating market – Cai Rang, from excursions to the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels to romantic sunset cruises zipping along the Saigon River. Just hours away from this city, you can get into beautiful beaches, islands, rivers, villages, jungles or historic sites.

No matter how long you stay in Vietnam, there are some tours that would suit perfectly to your needs and budget. If you have short time holidays, you could spend some days exploring Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta with our Southern Flavors. For those who want to have an insight into Vietnam culture and history, Vietnam Insight tour is an ideal one.

For high-end travelers, Vietnam Travel have designed and created luxury tours with beach breaks in the packages of Vietnam Luxury Journey, River Floating Market – Beach Break & Leisure Cruise and Best of Vietnam.

Tours starting from Hanoi

Hanoi in the North is a bit quieter compared to Ho Chi Minh city. It is the heart of nation’s cultural heritage and political concentration for more than one thousand years that looks like a living museum. Taking a glance at Hanoi Old Quarter, it is easy to find out that the city is a fine blend of East and West deriving from Chinese influence and decades of French colonialism, both still evident in the architecture, cuisine, language and people.

On the other hand, Hanoi is considered the entry point for visitors drawn to the country’s mountainous areas (Sapa, Ha Giang, Dien Bien Phu), lush parks, traditional villages and the iconic Halong Bay.

With a tour of about 7 to 9 days, you will have opportunity to discover the Northern Vietnam or the whole Vietnam at a glimpse with its main tourist attractions such as Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoian, Saigon & the famous floating market in Mekong Delta.

You could choose to get a culture and history tour, adventure tour or culinary tour. If you want to truly experience and understand the local life, culture and history tours, check some of our sample tours: Best of the North, The Uncrowded Alternative to Halong Bay, Highlights of Vietnam. However, if you are into adventure, you could discover those places by trekking, biking or kayaking with our tours: 4WD North-West Vietnam, Sapa – Ninh Binh – Halong and ”Kong: Skull Island” – Take Me There.

If you have more time, spending about 2 weeks in Vietnam, then packages of Vietnam Discovery, Grand Vietnam would be your perfect choice. Their itineraries cover almost all of the highlight destinations with must-sightseeing places in Vietnam.

After visiting Vietnam, you could easily extend your trip to Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Vietnam Travel has offices in major cities of these destination and can handle your tour smoothly.
Contact Vietnam Travel for your memorable and well-organized holidays in Vietnam. we only offer private Vietnam tours which is flexible based on your travel interests.